The Brazilian Navy’s first Modified Scorpene-class (Riachuelo-class, S-BR) diesel-electric submarine, Riachuelo (S40), is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 14 at the Itaguaí Naval Complex in Itaguaí.

The submarine was moved to TTS Syncrolift’s ship lift, from the Estaleiro de Construção (ESC) assembly hall, to be lowered into the water on the launch date.

After the launch, the vessel will then spend another estimated two years undergoing pier tests and sea trials. It is scheduled for delivery to the Brazilian Navy in 2020.

In 2009, Brazil purchased four enlarged Scorpènes (S-BR) for US$9.9 billion with a technology transfer agreement and a second agreement to develop a French/Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine as part of the submarine development programme (PROSUB).

The S-BR variant is not fitted with an air-independent propulsion (AIP). The nuclear-powered submarine could be a variant of the Scorpène class (which would make it similar in concept to the Rubis-class submarine) or one of the more powerful Barracuda class.

With a length of 71.62 m and a surface displacement of 1,870 tonnes, the S-BRs are designed for a full range of roles, including anti-surface (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, special operations, and intelligence-gathering.

The other three Scorpene submarines – Humaitá (S41), Tonelero (S42), and Angostura (S43) – are currently at different stages of development at the Steel Structures Manufacturing Unit (UFEM, Unidade de Fabricação de Estruturas Metálicas), also located in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro..